A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Snowdonia National Park vs. Howth for Hiking, Couples, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Snowdonia National Park or Howth?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Snowdonia National Park and Howth can help you decide which place is right for you.

Snowdonia National Park

Snowdonia National Park is a natural, scenic, and rugged national park. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and food.

Howth

Howth is a coastal, beautiful, and picturesque fishing village. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and hiking.

Snowdonia National Park and Howth: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Snowdonia National Park or Howth?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Howth than Snowdonia National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Howth is better known for its museums, nightlife, beaches, and small town charm, while Snowdonia National Park is more popular for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Howth is more touristy than Snowdonia National Park and is known for its scenic coastline, charming character, and its accessibility to Dublin. Also, Howth is famous for The Baily Lighthouse. Snowdonia National Park is well known for its beautiful mountain landscape.

How is Snowdonia National Park different from Howth?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Howth and Snowdonia National Park. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Snowdonia National Park or Howth Better for Skiing?

Snowdonia National Park
Howth

Snowdonia National Park is a national park with a few options for winter skiing. However, Howth is not a skiing destination.

Snowdonia National Park is a fun local destination for snow skiers. The mountains in the area are a bit rugged and coastal, making them not ideal for skiing. But if the weather's right and you are up for the steep terrain, there may be opportunities to ski at times between the months of November and April.

Howth is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Snowdonia National Park or Howth?

Snowdonia National Park
Howth

Howth is very good for its sights and museums. However, Snowdonia National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Howth offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The surrounding coastline is the main draw to this picturesque town but there is also a nice harbor, pier, and lighthouse that you can visit.

Snowdonia National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Snowdonia National Park or Howth? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Snowdonia National Park
Howth

Both Snowdonia National Park and Howth offer a number of notable restaurants to choose from.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Snowdonia National Park. There are a variety of restaurants in the area that serve up local Welsh flavors. You'll build up your appetite hiking and then head into town to enjoy a quick bite at a cafe or a nice meal at a 5 star hotel.

Howth is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are seafood restaurants and a few pubs where you can enjoy some fresh food and the local ambiance.

Is Snowdonia National Park or Howth Better for Nightlife?

Snowdonia National Park
Howth

Howth is a moderate fishing village for nightlife and partying. However, Snowdonia National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Most people don't head to Howth specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There are a few pubs around town but if you're looking for a real nightlife scene then your best bet is to head into Dublin.

Snowdonia National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.


Is Snowdonia National Park or Howth Better for Beaches?

Snowdonia National Park
Howth

Howth is a well-known place for the beache. Also, Snowdonia National Park is not as famous, but is still a good national park to visit for the beach.

Howth is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Many people head to this coastal town specifically to hang out on the beach. There's also the Howth Cliff Path which is fun to explore. Some of the top beaches in the area include Red Rock Beach, Claremont Beach, and Balscadden Bay Beach. The beaches can be rocky and rough so make sure you understand the water conditions before heading to the beach.

Snowdonia National Park has a beach worth visiting. The white sandy beaches offer spectacular views of the mountains. There are holiday cottages near the beaches that make it a nice vacation spot between the months of September and April. Several of the best beaches in the area include Porthdinllaen, Porth O'er, Llanbedrog, and Harlech Beach.

Is Snowdonia National Park or Howth Better for Hiking?

Snowdonia National Park
Howth

Snowdonia National Park is an amazing national park to visit for its hiking experiences. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

People visit Snowdonia National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. There are approximately 1,500 miles of walking paths and hiking trails in the area. You can hike to waterfalls, along beaches, or to the top of Mt. Snowden. Aber Falls is a popular trail or you could explore lakes and try to see wild ponies along the Llyn Idwal Trail. For a particularly strenuous and adventurous trail, head to Glyder Fawr or The Snowdon Horseshoe Circular Walk.

Many visitors go to Howth for the hiking trails. The best way to experience Howth is to explore the The Howth Cliff Walk. There are several versions of the hike that cater to different experience and skill levels.

Is Snowdonia National Park or Howth Better for Families?

Snowdonia National Park
Howth

Snowdonia National Park is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Snowdonia National Park is a very kid-friendly national park. Kids will enjoy exploring the outdoors. You can also check out Conwy Castle or wander the medieval walls around Conwy. If you're interested in taking a walk, you wander along Newborough Beach or head to the top of Mount Snowdon and enjoy the beautiful outdoor scenery. Llechwedd Slate Caverns is also particularly fun for kids.

Howth offers lots of family activities. It has a beach where kids can run around. There are also playgrounds, a lighthouse, and a pier to explore.


Is Snowdonia National Park or Howth Better for Couples?

Snowdonia National Park
Howth

Snowdonia National Park is an amazing national park to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Snowdonia National Park makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Explore the beautiful outdoor scenery by taking one of the many hikes in the park. There are many diverse walking routes or you can head to the top of Mt. Snowden. There are also waterfalls and castles that couples can explore.

Howth is a good national park for couples to visit. The small fishing village has some great seafood restaurants and a beach where couples can pass the time.

Is Snowdonia National Park or Howth Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Snowdonia National Park
Howth

Snowdonia National Park is well known for backpackers. However, Howth is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Snowdonia National Park is a great national park to visit for backpackers. Camping and hiking is the best way to experience this park. You can explore the stunning natural beauty without spending a fortune on a hotel.

Howth is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It a small village outside of Dublin so most backpackers don't make it this way.

Is Snowdonia National Park or Howth Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Snowdonia National Park
Howth

Both Snowdonia National Park and Howth offer notable public transit options.

Snowdonia National Park has a few public transit options. During the peak season you can travel to some areas by bus. Sherpa’r Wyddfa bus operates in part of the park. Train options include The Cambrian and Conwy Valley train lines as well as the Welsh Highland Railway and the Ffestiniog Railway.

Howth has some public transit options. It's easy to reach the town from Dublin by DART.


Is Snowdonia National Park or Howth a more walkable city?

Snowdonia National Park
Howth

Howth is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Snowdonia National Park is not a walkable destination.

Howth is a very walkable fishing village. It's a small town that's easy to explore on foot. There are also many walks through the cliffs.

Snowdonia National Park is not a walkable destination.

For even more information, also check out Is Snowdonia National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Howth Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Howth or Snowdonia National Park?

How long in Snowdonia National Park or Howth?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Snowdonia National Park or Howth to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Snowdonia National Park than Howth because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Snowdonia National Park, and 1-2 days is enough time in Howth.

Families should spend more time in Snowdonia National Park than Howth. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Snowdonia National Park, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Snowdonia National Park than Howth. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Snowdonia National Park that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Snowdonia National Park than Howth if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Snowdonia National Park.


  • How many days in Snowdonia National Park or Howth? Ideal Length of Stay
    Snowdonia National Park 3-7 
    Howth 1-2

One day in Snowdonia National Park or Howth?

In Snowdonia National Park, many people enjoy the food that this stunning destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find food and museums around the beautiful fishing village of Howth. It's also a great beach destination, too. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this fishing village.

A weekend in Snowdonia National Park or Howth?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Snowdonia National Park. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Howth is a popular choice for travelers. A weekend here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


Five days in Snowdonia National Park or Howth?

Snowdonia National Park is a fun place to experience. In Snowdonia National Park, many people enjoy the food that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the hiking. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Howth is a great place to explore. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

A week in Snowdonia National Park or Howth?

In Snowdonia National Park, many people enjoy the food that this scenic destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Howth. Most people come for the beaches. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United Kingdom, The Best Luxury Tours to United Kingdom, The Best 2-Week Tours in Ireland, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Ireland.


Which place is cheaper, Howth or Snowdonia National Park?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Snowdonia National Park is £75, while the average daily cost in Howth is £115. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Snowdonia National Park and Howth in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Snowdonia National Park £29
    Howth £55
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Snowdonia National Park £58
    Howth £110
Compare Hotels in Snowdonia National Park and Howth

Looking for a hotel in Snowdonia National Park or Howth? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Snowdonia National Park


Hotels in Howth


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Snowdonia National Park £46
    Howth £35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Snowdonia National Park

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Snowdonia National Park:

  • Private Transfer from Caernarfon to Manchester Airport (MAN): $250

Is it cheaper to fly into Snowdonia National Park or Howth?

Prices for flights to both Howth and Snowdonia National Park change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Snowdonia National Park £19
    Howth £38

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Snowdonia National Park £18
    Howth £21

Tours and Activities in Snowdonia National Park

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Snowdonia National Park are as follows:

  • Anglesey Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (7 Day Pass) UK: $32
  • 2 Hours Historical Tour of Caernarfon: $33
  • Snowdon Kayak Adventure on Llyn Padarn: $56

Tours and Activities in Howth

Here are a few actual costs in Howth for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Dublin: Full-Day Howth and Malahide Castle Tour: $52

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Snowdonia National Park £4.86
    Howth £18


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Snowdonia National Park and Howth, we can see that Howth is more expensive. And not only is Snowdonia National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Snowdonia National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Snowdonia National Park and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Howth would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Howth than you might in Snowdonia National Park.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Snowdonia National Park Expensive? and Is Howth Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Snowdonia National Park or Howth?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Snowdonia National Park or Howth in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Snowdonia National Park and Howth. Most visitors come to Snowdonia National Park for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Howth because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Snowdonia National Park is around the same temperature as Howth in the summer. The daily temperature in Snowdonia National Park averages around 15°C (60°F) in July, and Howth fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In Snowdonia National Park, it's very sunny this time of the year. Snowdonia National Park usually receives more sunshine than Howth during summer. Snowdonia National Park gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Howth receives 166 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Snowdonia National Park usually receives around the same amount of rain as Howth. Snowdonia National Park gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Howth receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Snowdonia National Park 15°C (60°F) 
    Howth 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Snowdonia National Park or Howth in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Snowdonia National Park as well as Howth. The autumn months attract visitors to Snowdonia National Park because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Howth this time of year.

In the autumn, Snowdonia National Park is around the same temperature as Howth. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Snowdonia National Park in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Howth averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Snowdonia National Park often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Howth. Snowdonia National Park gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Howth receives 97 hours of full sun.

Snowdonia National Park usually gets more rain in October than Howth. Snowdonia National Park gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Howth receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Snowdonia National Park 12°C (53°F) 
    Howth 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Snowdonia National Park or Howth in the Winter?

Both Howth and Snowdonia National Park are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The skiing and the cuisine are the main draw to Snowdonia National Park this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Howth for the museums and the cuisine.

In January, Snowdonia National Park is generally around the same temperature as Howth. Daily temperatures in Snowdonia National Park average around 5°C (42°F), and Howth fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Snowdonia National Park usually receives more sunshine than Howth during winter. Snowdonia National Park gets 63 hours of sunny skies, while Howth receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Snowdonia National Park usually receives more rain than Howth. Snowdonia National Park gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Howth receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Snowdonia National Park 5°C (42°F) 
    Howth 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Snowdonia National Park or Howth in the Spring?

Both Howth and Snowdonia National Park during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Snowdonia National Park for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Howth in the spring for the beaches and the small town charm.

Snowdonia National Park is around the same temperature as Howth in the spring. The daily temperature in Snowdonia National Park averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Howth fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Snowdonia National Park often gets more sunshine than Howth. Snowdonia National Park gets 179 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Howth receives 157 hours of full sun.

Snowdonia National Park usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Howth. Snowdonia National Park gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Howth receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Snowdonia National Park 8°C (47°F) 
    Howth 8°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Howth and Snowdonia National Park

Snowdonia National Park Howth
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (42°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 6°C (42°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Feb 5°C (41°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Mar 6°C (44°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 7°C (44°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 8°C (47°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 8°C (47°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 14°C (56°F) 52 mm (2 in) 14°C (57°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jul 15°C (60°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 15°C (60°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 15°C (60°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 14°C (56°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 70 mm (2.7 in)
Nov 8°C (47°F) 101 mm (4 in) 8°C (46°F) 65 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 6°C (44°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 6°C (44°F) 76 mm (3 in)


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